Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to the Mississippi River at this Army Corps of Engineers campground, where a boat ramp and water views draw anglers year-round. The seasonal facility operates from early May through late October, accommodating RVs up to 92 feet on level concrete pads with 30/50 amp electric and water hookups distributed throughout the grounds.
Train tracks run adjacent to the campground, creating regular nighttime noise as locomotives pass through with horns sounding. David D. notes "there is a train track real close and a lot of crosses, So you will hear alot of close train horns and they go deep into the night/morning." River traffic from barges and boats adds additional overnight sound, though most campers find the daytime water activity interesting to watch.
Large, staggered sites provide space between neighbors, with some positioned directly along the riverbank. Site 12 sits right on the Mississippi, while others require a short walk to reach the water. The campground features clean restrooms with hot showers, though facilities can become warm and humid during summer months. Fire rings, picnic tables, and a dump station serve all sites, with camp hosts available to assist visitors.
The access road leading into the campground has rough, rutted sections that require slow navigation, particularly for larger RVs. Cell service varies significantly by carrier, with some providers offering no coverage in the area. Reservations are available and recommended, especially for waterfront sites that fill quickly. Wildcat Den State Park Campground sits just over a mile north for those exploring additional camping options in the region.
The combination of river access, level sites, and full hookups makes this a practical base for extended stays, provided campers can tolerate the regular train activity throughout the night.
Description
Overview
Shady Creek Campground is a 22-acre park where campers enjoy getaways on the banks of the Mississippi River. A nature trail, shore fishing and fantastic bird watching are offered at Shady Creek.
Recreation
The Mississippi River draws many anglers annually. The most popular fish species is the channel catfish; bluegill, walleye and northern pike are also found in the river. Picnicking and playing horseshoes is a popular activity in the park.
Facilities
The park's campsites contain 50-amp electric hookups, campfire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and showers are provided. A boat ramp and playground are on-site.
Natural Features
The park has spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Many trees throughout the campground provide great places to lounge in the shade. The Upper Mississippi River begins at the headwaters of Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows 1,250 miles to Cairo, Illinois where it joins the Ohio River.
Nearby Attractions
Wildcat Den State Park is just north of Shady Creek, offering hiking trails and the historic Pine Creek Grist Mill built in 1848. The Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge is a 40-minute drive downstream. Trails and observation decks are open to the public. Hunting and fishing are allowed in many area of the refuge.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShady Creek is located in Iowa near Illinois City
Directions
From Davenport, Iowa, drive west on Highway 22 about 17 miles and turn at the Shady Creek sign.
Address
3550 HWY 22
Muscatine, IA 52761
Coordinates
41.4475 N
90.8772222 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/26/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/26/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 25 min from Davenport, IA
- 53 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 9 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 28 min from Dubuque, IA
